Should Congress nullify the EPA’s strict emission standards rule?
H.J. Res. 136 would void the newly released EPA final rule on emission standards. In this final rule, the EPA is introducing stricter emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, covering model years 2027-2032, to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants. They are updating rules around off-cycle and air conditioning credits, addressing emissions from zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and offering incentives for medium-duty vehicles. New standards for refueling emissions, battery durability, and warranties for electric and hybrid vehicles are being established. Additionally, the EPA is making minor updates to rules for fuel conversions, vehicle imports, emissions testing, and fuel economy measurements.
Sponsor: Source: Rep. John James (Republican, Michigan, District 10)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Opponents say
• "NPCA opposes this legislation, which prevents the implementation of the EPA’s rule to cut air and climate pollution from passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, vans and other light and medium-duty vehicles or something substantially similar. Light-duty passenger vehicles are one of the top GHG sources in the U.S. and make up a clear majority of all transportation sector emissions. They also produce significant amounts of air pollutants that impact human health, the environment and visibility in our treasured national parks. EPA’s light and medium duty vehicle rule will reduce over 7 billion tons of GHGs and significant amounts of traditional air pollutants that cause hazy skies and harm nature, providing immense benefits to our parks and those who enjoy them." Source: National Parks Conservation Association
• "In addition to providing regulatory support to where the market is already heading, EPA’s proposed vehicle emissions standards would make significant progress in our fight against climate change. They will also save Americans money at the pump and better insulate our country from the volatility of the global oil market. I am encouraged by the Biden administration‘s step toward cleaner, more efficient cars, trucks and vans, and I hope to see a final rule by the end of the year." Source: Sen. Tom Carper (Democrat, Delaware)
• "In setting high but achievable vehicle emissions standards, the EPA’s final rule is a step forward in addressing climate change,” said Attorney General Kaul. “If this challenge is successful, however, those standards will almost certainly be weakened, to the detriment of public health and the fight against climate change." Source: Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul
Proponents say
• "These proposals are legally flawed, divorced from reality with regard to the associated costs and domestic capacity to implement them, and would be devastating for American consumers and workers already burdened by sustained levels of historically high inflation." Source: Sen Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, West Virginia), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee
• "The Biden Administration’s attempt to push their failed Far Left climate agenda on hardworking American families is dangerous and unAmerican. I’m proud to stand up for consumer choice and cosponsor a resolution to overturn Biden’s senseless rule to set radical emission standards on auto manufacturers. Electric vehicles are not a feasible option in many parts of the country including in my rural district of Upstate New York and the North Country. We must combat Democrats’ failed Far Left anti-American energy policies that threaten to bankrupt and burden American families." Source: Rep. Elise Stefanik (Republican, New York, District 21)
• "Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it. The Biden administration’s EPA tailpipe emission rule is another out-of-touch regulation that will crater the Michigan auto industry and decimate our middle-class, and most vulnerable. Folks in my district simply can’t afford to spend an additional $12,000 on an expensive, unreliable EV. I’ve always said, if you want an EV, get an EV. But allowing the Biden administration to continue stifling consumer choice will only harm the American people." Source: Rep. John James (Republican, Michigan, District 10)